COLUMBUS, Ind. (The Republic) — Columbus police arrested a local man after he was accused of attempting to steal a catalytic converter off a vehicle.

Officers were sent to the 3600 block of North National Road at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday about a suspicious person lying on the ground next to a vehicle in a parking lot, said Lt. Matt Harris, Columbus Police Department spokesman.

The suspect fled on foot after he was confronted by the vehicle’s owner, Harris said.

Officers determined that the vehicle’s catalytic converter had been cut and was touching the ground. Officers found the suspect, Trey A. Smith, 22, Columbus near U.S. 31 and Washington Street a short time later, Harris said.

After confirming there were three local warrants for Smith’s arrest, he was taken to the Bartholomew County Jail on preliminary charges of attempted theft of motor vehicle parts and the warrants. He is being held without bond, jail officials said.